Health Chronicle Reports Veteran Hearing Loss Has Become Epidemic

Northville, MI (Law Firm Newswire) November 22, 2011 – The October issue of “The Hearing Journal” reports that hearing loss among American war veterans is at an epidemic level.

The Department of Veterans Affairs recorded a 15 percent increase of payments for hearing-related injuries last year, according to the report. There are 745,000 veterans now being compensated for tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, a number that rose almost 100,000 in 2010. The VA is compensating 672,000 veterans for hearing loss. Tinnitus and hearing loss are the two largest categories of service-related injuries.

Annual payments for hearing-related conditions by the VA exceeded $1.1 billion in 2009, according to the Government Accountability Office.

“The findings in this report are exactly what we see among our clients,” said veterans attorney James Fausone, from the law firm Legal Help for Veterans. “Hearing loss and tinnitus are widespread in the veteran community – even among the young veterans.”

Tinnitus can be caused by a range of different noises depending on the patient’s sensitivity and the noise to which they were exposed. Some say it sounds like an air hose, others complain of a continuous buzz or screech. Tinnitus can be especially dangerous among veterans because, in some cases, it has been linked to depression and even suicide.

The Journal’s report documented some of the challenges the military has convincing service members to use personal ear protection. Some say ear protection dulls sensory perception and leaves soldiers in the field with less acute senses when they need to be their sharpest.

Fausone recommends veterans get their hearing tested if they suspect hearing loss or tinnitus. A qualified veterans attorney can help get timely treatment and compensation for service-related hearing loss.

Legal Help for Veterans has a trained staff with experience in hearing loss and tinnitus cases. An experienced veterans attorney can help clients get through the red tape that regularly accompanies requests from the VA. James G. Fausone is a Veterans disability lawyer and Veterans attorney with Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC. To learn more or to contact a Veterans disability attorney or Veterans lawyer call 1.800.693.4800 or visit http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com.

Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC
41700 West Six Mile Road, Suite 101
Northville, MI 48168
Toll Free Phone: 800.693.4800

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